The value of an older schoolmaster

We bought a 19 year old ex polo pony for my husband to learn to ride on (hubby was 68 at the time. Yes I thought he was nuts as well!) Pony is now 21 and hubby is chuffed to bits with him. He's safe and sound and utterly bombproof and worth his weight in gold quite frankly. He will end his days with us, he's earned that in more ways than enough. Wonderful pony!
 
Ahh it is nice to see people happpy with their more mature horses. I was sharing a 23 year old who was an energetic oldie and not really bombproof but safe, now I am riding a 4 year old where it seems there is an accident, injury or ailment round every corner and can be a nightmare to ride and/or handle varying week to week! I am looking to buy and I'm so glad Ive had this experience and didn't rush into it. Although I was looking for 7-12 year old I would definitely consider older now. I saw a lovely 15 year old dun ID and thought too old at the time, kicking myself over that now!
 
Agree the age should be reflected by the price. At 23 & after an injury mine has limits in what she can do, I wouldn't sell her for anything, but its common sense that her value is less than it was 10 yrs ago. Even though she's a pony so for a child/teen her limits have far less effect than the equivalent 16.2.
 
I did this-i had a small budget and no confidence so I had a choice of older or younger horses. Needless to say I went for an oldie!

The prices for 16 yo reflected the fact that they were insurable
 
Bloody phone, that should read UNINSURABLE! On a new policy and of course,those sm types trend to have miles on the clock...
I don't regret doing it but (a bit of a cautionary tale) mine did his tendon in the field 2 years after I got him and retired at 19.I'd hoped to have longer riding him but it was a risk that I was aware of when I bought him. c'est la vie...
 
They are worth their twice their weight in gold in my opinion.

My daughter had always got younger ponies and horses until we bought Basil (who was 11) and when we got him we realised almost immediately what an utter gem he is and the value of a horse whose got good basic training and a good mind. I am half looking at a horse for myself and as I am a very novice rider I will not even consider something under the age of 10, as someone else on this thread said, one of us has to know what we're doing :D
 
The value of an older schoolmaster is priceless!!!!. I would def take the chance with him, what they have under their belts will give you so much confidence. I cant stress enough how valuable an older horse is. I hate it when people dismiss horses because of age. It's so silly!!
 
I've just bought an ex riding school pony. An absolute school master and worth his weight in gold. He is 23!

Jamin was 18 when I bought her and my old pony Sonny was well into his 20's.

I am much happier with a pony I can trust and enjoy and value that over a younger horse but despite my years being around and riding horses, I am far from a confident rider so the golden oldies suit me just fine.

I always used to wish that Jamin and I had found each other earlier so that we could have had many more happy years together (we had 9 very, very happy years) but I know that had we met earlier, I wouldn't have had the pony I loved so much and all of her funny hang ups that went with her :D
 
Having kept horses for over 36yrs I've always tended to go for youngsters, backing and bringing them on. I did have a homebred 6yr old until recently but after buying my daughter a 10yr old horse in May (she has just come off ponies) I took the new mare out a couple of times during the week and thought why the heck am I struggling away with my nappy youngster when I could have an older horse I can just get on and enjoy. Needless to say the youngster has been sold (was a heartbreaking decision but glad I made it). I've just bought myself a 13yr old schoolmistress who is bombproof on the roads, well schooled, stops and goes in a snaffle, has shown at County level and has a very kind temperament. Wish I'd done it years ago. I'm well over 40 and have had 3 spinal ops so although I used to like a challenge I just want to enjoy riding and be as safe as I can be now.
We seem to be fixated on losing money on our horses but what's the point in having a young horse you find hard work, when over a few years you can have fun and enjoy an older horse and the depreciation will be insignificant compared to the benefits gained.
 
i have an oldie, ex star, and I consider him a privilge to sit on.
He is happy to be spoilt in his downsized home and I am happy to have something safe and fab to ride ( i might be called old and broken) :D

I could have written exactly the same post as Auslander, almost to the letter, except I know what makes mine passage.... it is cows!
 
do it! :)

i've taken on a 22 year old. everyone told me not to. but i just wanted something i could bond with and bring on in his fitness (he was just a happy hacker) i'm like you, i'm not very competitive.. the most daring i get is jumping 2'9 in the sand school :rolleyes: but he really has bought my confidence on. we're now jumping regularly and having so much fun together. so yes yes yes :D
 
I have two older horses.

My TB is 16 and an absolute superstar - very talented and the nicest most gentle lad.
I also have on loan a WBxShire who is 19hh and an ex 2*eventer - he is now 20
I consider it a total privilage to be able to ride him and he has already taught me so much. He still has all the moves, can do flying changes with his eyes shut, still hunts, still jumps and has the nicest manners ever. He does not have any lumps, bumps or problems - and being with my 2 boys gives me so much enjoyment mainly because they are so chilled. I absolutely and totally love my oldies.

This is my TB:

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And this is my WBxShire:

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Knobberpony was 20 when we bought her and I remember when I was looking at her ad on a board,a woman stood next to me and said 'Oh don't buy that,a 20 year old pony is a walking vet's bill'.Well we did buy her and it was the best money I ever spent.She has taught my girls and me so much and given them such confidence that I can never repay her.I have promised that she will never be sold on and will have a home for the rest of her life with us.

She is still going strong,took my 8 year old out hunting all day and gave her the best day of her life.She can be grumpy but we all adore her and the girls are always hugging her and telling her how much they love her and that she is 'the best pony in the world'.

We have just bought a 15 year old,who is a little feisty at the minute,but hopefully she'll settle down in a while.
 
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